This first record from metal super-group AxeWound, featuring Liam Cornier of Cancer Bats (vocals), Matthew Tuck ( Bullet For My Valentine, guitar, backing vocals/screaming), Mike Kingswood ( Glamour Of The Kill, guitar), Joe Copcutt ( ex Rise To Remain, bass) and Pitchshifter drummer Jason Bowld finds me in two minds- is it meant to be taken seriously, or actually a brilliant joke at the expense of the often over-the-top world of thrash?

With titles like Post Apocalyptic Party, Exorchrist and Blood, Money & Lies on the table it feels almost as if they’re having a good old laugh at the likes of Slayer and Venom while doing a pretty damn good job of sounding like them too- whether Tom Araya and Cronos are giggling, though, is impossible to tell. Taken in this context though, it can be applauded.

Try to judge it against the likes of Reign In Blood or Black Metal, though, and you’ll be literally head-banging against a wall, possibly brick. For further reference, see also Dave Grohl’s album as Probot, a fanboy’s dream if ever there was one- the immortal Lemmy (Motorhead), Max Cavalera (Sepultura/Soulfly) and Tom Warrior (Hellhammer/Celtic Frost) all in one place? Yes please!

AxeWound